National Marathon Champs
This coming weekend is the National Marathon Championships in Bemidji, MN. If I weren’t on my way to Germany, I’d consider doing this wonderful event.
Joe Von Drasek sent me some pictures of the course that has emerged from the lake ice.
They have the old Zamboni from the John Rose oval out there making some really nice ice. It looks like a pretty wide track.
Marathons are a lot of fun, even for sprinter-types like me. One always ends up in a pack of skaters with similar ability.
Looking at pictures of the course, my mind does that triangulation between “challenging”, “cold”, and “more fun”.
The race is being organized by Chantal Cermack (formerly Chantal Bailey of the 1992 US Olympic team).
This is her daughter. In the latter stages of a 42k, my expression is usually similar (but what are the words to properly describe this expression? any suggestions are appriciated)
I once did a calculation of race entry fee divided by total race distance, the best value I have ever had by that measure, was ice marathon nationals when I raced it in 2002.
This is the view of the track from the hill the race hotel is on.
People can register right up to race time, they are looking for a lot more skaters to help make the event a success. My close friend Carla will be there, going for her 3rd (or is it 4th?) women’s championship.
You can find the race entry form, wavier, and information form here.
Filed under: from home
Carla is riding up with the Frederick’s. Good luck in Germany. I have some ideas I would like to share with you for the IMSSC meetings. Danny
Those are beautiful pictures, and it does look like a really nice track! Yes, if I didn’t have the Frederick’s (you’re right, you can’t just spell that with an s on the end) to ride with, Jim to stay with, Chantal to be nice about my late-ish entry, etc… I wouldn’t even be able to go!
Hmm, that is one long straightaway…I’ll find out if I’m in shape!
quick note for anyone racing… no matter if she is in shape or not, Carla does not give much of a draft!!!
and beware the blue mittens of doom if you are following her!
Carla has long arm backswing, and because of her size, it’s possible to get much too close, literally almost skating over her, and she will nail you square in the nose if you aren’t careful..
Luckily the blue mittens of doom cushion the impact.. otherwise I’d be missing a few teeth…
If it’s 30 degrees, which is nearly tropical compared to the temperature today, I might not even need the big blue mittens of doom. (I have smaller pink ones that are effective at smacking people, too…) And no skating over me! That happens sometimes!
The weather forecast in Bemidji (56601) is sunny and a high of 27 on Saturday and a high of 30 on Sunday. This is perfect weather and there is little or no wind in the forecast. The ice is fast and we could see some good times,
Hey Andrew!!!! If you’re participating, good luck!
I’ll send you a virtual cuppa…..
I love your web site!!!! Thank you for helping get the story out about a wonderful experience that I have been blessed to be a part of. I have , well shall I say my husband, Bryan hammit and Norm Johannsen, have learned alot about lake ice It has a personality of it’s own. I just want to lift these three up and say , “You go guys!” They are intense on making good ice. Anyway, good luck to all the participants. My goal was to serve the skaters and make this a wonderful experiece. I have never put on a race , so once it’s finished, I welcome suggestions. Skate fast and have a great day. By the way, safe trip to Germany. Chantal Cermak
Ya know you’re in Minnesota when…..the Zamboni has a cab with a windshield wiper, heater, and defroster.
Go Carla the photos of the lake look like fun will be had up there in Bemidji don’t ya know.
I am recovering thank you and looking forward to the SPIM in the beautiful Minnesota SUMMER! Best of luck in your race!
Andrew, first of all … Have a great time in Germany.
I am very excited to do the National Marathon. Not sure how it will go but I am so excited to go to Bemidji again.
Thanks also for the blog! I love reading it.